Power Engineering – Predictive Maintenance

Stromschiene Überlast
Time-based maintenance of electrical switchgear is inefficient and risky, as thermal hotspots or partial discharges can lead to costly outages if undetected. The solution is a fully integrated, contactless diagnostic system using thermal monitoring (IR) and optical partial discharge detection (PD). By feeding this real-time data into a Condition Monitoring System (CMS), Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) is enabled. This results in the prevention of major damage, optimization of maintenance intervals, and maximization of operational safety and technical availability.

The Problem: Unplanned Outages and Inefficient Maintenance Cycles

Traditional time-based maintenance of electrical switchgear, transformers, and medium/high-voltage components is inefficient and risky. Thermal hotspots caused by overloading or insulation-critical partial discharges (PD) often develop undetected between fixed maintenance intervals. This leads to an increased risk of failure, resulting in costly asset damage (e.g., arc flashes) and long operational downtimes, as well as unnecessary costs from the proactive replacement of components that are still intact.

The Solution: Contactless Diagnostics and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)

We offer a fully integrated solution for the permanent and contactless condition monitoring of your critical assets:

  • Thermal Monitoring (IR Technology): Use of contactless infrared sensors for the permanent monitoring of the surface temperature of critical connection points and components in switchgear. This enables the early detection of local overheating as an indicator of impending wear or tracking.
  • Optical Partial Discharge Detection (PD Capture): Integration of optical sensors for the precise capture of ultraviolet (UV) signatures generated by partial discharges within the insulation. This serves for the early detection of insulation faults, long before a critical breakdown can occur.
  • Optional Network Integration: All measurement data is fed in real-time into a central Condition Monitoring System (CMS). This system serves as the basis for Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM).

Your Advantages: Increased Availability and Optimized Operating Costs

  • Operational Safety: Avoidance of major damage and unplanned outages through the early detection of thermal anomalies and insulation weaknesses.
  • Maintenance: Optimization of maintenance intervals (CBM): Maintenance is carried out wear-dependent and only when actually required, lowering personnel and material costs.
  • Economic Efficiency: Increase in technical availability and reduction of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the switchgear.

Conclusion: The implementation of our contactless thermal monitoring and optical partial discharge detection transitions your switchgear management from a rigid, risk-prone plan to a dynamic, predictive maintenance regime. This not only secures the long-term integrity of your assets but also maximizes the operational safety of your entire power infrastructure.